Umatter® Suicide Prevention Awareness and Skills Training – VT Libraries

Umatter® Suicide Prevention Awareness and Skills Training –

VT Libraries

April 3, 2025 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

*Download and print the flyer by clicking here.

Where: Virtual Event

Cost: $0. This training is supported by Facing Suicide VT, a statewide prevention initiative coordinated by the Vermont Departments of Health and Mental Health and the Center for Health and Learning through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program.

About this Training:

Participants learn basic knowledge and skills of suicide prevention including societal myths and attitudes, use of sensitive language, risk factors and warning signs, protective factors, considerations for populations at risk, examples of what to say and do, and local and national resources for help. Participants learn a three-step process for talking with someone who presents with risk for suicide. This learning exchange includes a discussion of best practices for suicide prevention in your organization or community setting.

This 2-hour virtual Umatter® Suicide Prevention Awareness and Skills Training will be presented by CHL, with support from the Vermont Department of Health, for Vermont library staff. It aims to enhance knowledge, comfort, and skills to identify those at risk for suicide and resources to get help. This learning exchange includes a discussion of best practices for suicide prevention in your organization or community setting.

About the Trainers:

Cristina Maddocks, M.S. (she/her) Suicide Prevention and Umatter® Program Specialist

Cristina joined CHL in October 2023 with 20 years experience in the fields of mental health and education. Cristina’s experience includes working at two designated agencies in Vermont, an Executive Director position at an early education and childcare program, and working in mental health non-profit organizations in Massachusetts. Cristina aims to create connections and rapport to promote change, reduce stigma associated with mental health, and advocate for youth and families within their home, school, and community settings. Her experience as a clinician in various settings provides a foundation for understanding the strengths and challenges of the systems of care and how to support those navigating through it.

Cristina loves living in the Green Mountains with her husband and three children…and a hound dog named Chewy. Reading good books, spending time at the lake with family, and weekends spent cheering on the sidelines of youth sports are a few of Cristina’s current joys.

Who should attend: Vermont Library Staff

Objectives of Training:

● Know basic information about suicide prevention

● Identify protective factors, risk factors, and warning signs

● Learn the 3-step intervention process and practice it

● Increase confidence and competence to respond

● Understand your role in suicide prevention either in your school, organization, or community

Additional Information: The VT Center for Health and Learning can also bring Umatter® Suicide Prevention Awareness and Skills Training to your workplace, organization, or community group. Please contact Cristina Maddocks at cristina@healthandlearning.org for more information.